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Best Preamp - NO preamp... (?)

A few hours ago I decided to experiment and bypassed my highly regarded, excellent passive preamp and hooked up my PS Audio DSD DAC directly to the power amp.
There is no going back...
Every aspect of the sound has improved so dramatically that I'm simply blown away. I'm a bit shocked, playing CD after CD and I still can't believe it.
My phono stage has gain control as well, so it seems that from now on it will be disconnecting RCAs and plugging each in turn.
Since I usually do vinyl day or cd day (or week) anyway, the trouble seems totally worth it. Letting the cable settle in for a bit is not an issue.
Am I just crazy or are any of you doing the same?
Should I be concerned about damaging  the RCAs over time?
Thanks for your thoughts and experience. :-)
128x128ami

Showing 3 responses by charles1dad

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,222 posts
 
Ami
Hi , this topic has been covered many times on this  forum and as Erik  said,  there's no right answer.  Depends totally on the listener's preferences and numerous audio system variables.  Some people go back and forth between the two choices.  There will never be universal concensus with this matter.  Just go with what sounds best to you at a given time. 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,222 posts
 
Cerrot, 
I understand  your point. Keep in mind that some will say that the Criterion midrange is merely added coloration from an active preamplifier. The sterility you describe is transparency to others.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,222 posts
 
Tomcy6,
Agree! In theory "less parts" should equal better sound. In reality it doesn't always work out that way. Must be determined individually case by case.
An absolute "case closed" rarely if ever applies to audio/sound quality issues.
Charles,
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